Green declares state of emergency, positions resources ahead of Hurricane Lowell, Covid cases rise again, NOAA offers $20k reward in bludgeoning death of endangered monk seal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Green declares State of Emergency, pre-positions resources ahead of Tropical Cyclones. Gov. Josh Green signed a statewide emergency proclamation ahead of three hurricanes encroaching on the island chain this weekend. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. 

Hurricane Lowell weakens to Category 3, shifts west of Kauai. Hurricane Lowell track shifts slightly west, but major surge, rain and wind impacts still possible. It is still forecast to be at or near major hurricane strength when making its closest approach to the islands Monday. At 11 p.m. Thursday, Lowell had maximum sustained winds had weakened slightly to near 130 miles per hour. It was about 595 miles south of Lihue, or 555 miles south-southwest of Honolulu, and was moving to the west at 9 miles per hour. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hurricane Lowell’s expected turn resembles paths of Iniki, Dot. The only two hurricanes to make direct landfall in Hawaii in modern history both made sharp turns before crossing over Kauai — a similar turn forecasters and emergency officials are watching closely as Hurricane Lowell moves south of the islands. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

Hawaii’s COVID positivity rates are rising again. The average positivity rates for COVID-19 are ticking up in Hawaii once again after a nearly year-long lull. On Wednesday, the Hawaii Department of Health reported an average positivity rate of 9.0% statewide, with a weekly average of 18 cases per day. Star-Advertiser.

Federal Native Hawaiian education funding awarded. The U.S. Department of Education has awarded $29.7 million to Hawaii providers serving Native Hawaiian children and families, with the funds expected to be distributed by today, following an agreement to extend federal funding for the Native Hawaiian Education Program for another year. Star-Advertiser.

Trump Administration Aims To Strip Tax Status Of Private Schools With DEI Policies. Kamehameha and other Hawaiʻi schools are tracking the proposal, which would remove the tax-exempt status of private schools and colleges that provide scholarships or admission benefits to students based on their race. Civil Beat.

ʻUlu On The Up: Hawaiʻi Breadfruit Production Keeps Booming. This year’s stormy weather might drive a dip in production. But if longer-term forecasts are accurate, breadfruit could get closer to resuming its status as a Hawaiian staple. Civil Beat.

Oahu

H-POWER was closed for more than 80 days last year. The H-POWER facility on Oʻahu helps divert waste from the near-capacity Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill, but during the last fiscal year it was out of service for more than 80 days. Honolulu officials estimate that 200,000 tons of waste went to the landfill instead of being burned at H-POWER. Hawaii Public Radio.

OHA, city begin talks on future use of Kakaako Makai site. The former J.K.K. Look Laboratory building is a familiar sight on the Point Panic side of the entrance to Kewalo Basin in Kakaako. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs says it is in exploratory discussions with the City and County of Honolulu on possible future purposes for the site. Hawaii News Now.

City reopens Central Oahu park used as temporary Kona low debris site. Patsy T. Mink Central Oʻahu Regional Park fully reopened to the public Thursday after restoration work was completed following its use as a temporary debris site in the wake of the Kona low storms. Hawaii News Now.

Storms Shut Down Elevators Indefinitely For Hundreds In Honolulu. This year’s storms have been disastrous for some Oʻahu residents immobilized by their building’s broken elevators. Restoration could take weeks or months.  Civil Beat.

Man arrested after HPD shuts University Ave. gambling room. According to HPD, on Wednesday, at around 6 p.m., the department’s Narcotics/Vice Division Gambling Detail executed a search warrant on the property, recovering 10 gaming machines, more than $3,000 in cash and drug paraphernalia. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Sewer Rate Hike? Big Island Wastewater System Is Millions In Debt. The County Council is weighing a bill that would more than double the rates over the next five years. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. 

Kona earthquake gets federal disaster declaration. Gov. Josh Green announced Thursday that President Donald Trump has approved his request for a major disaster declaration following the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck the Kona area on May 22. Tribune-Herald.

About 60 customers still lack water in Ka‘u in wake of Lala. The Hawaii County Department of Water Supply is continuing to assess and repair damage to the water system infrastructure in the Na‘alehu-Wai‘ohinu area caused by the catastrophic rainfall and flooding last month from Hurricane Lala. Tribune-Herald.

‘Double Death’: Grief Revived Amid Search For Bones From Nāʻālehu Graves. A community devastated by Hurricane Lala now faces the gruesome and heart-wrenching task of identifying their deceased loved ones and burying them all over again.  Civil Beat.

Maui

Maui Council panel votes 5-4 to adopt sea-level-rise criteria for apartment rezoning in new hotel districts. The Maui County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee voted 5-4 last week to adopt criteria for which apartment-zoned vacation rental properties can be recommended to the Maui Planning Commission for hotel-district rezoning, tying eligibility to how deeply a property sits within the county’s Sea Level Rise Exposure Area. Maui Now.

Mayor Bissen urges USPS to preserve home mail delivery for Lahaina residents rebuilding after wildfire. In a letter sent Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, to US Postmaster General David Steiner, Mayor Richard Bissen said his most urgent concern is that residents returning to rebuilt homes may no longer receive the direct mail delivery they had before the fire and instead could be required to use centralized or cluster mailboxes. Maui Now.

NOAA offers up to $20,000 reward for info in death of Hawaiian monk seal. Federal wildlife authorities are asking for the public's help in finding the individual or individuals responsible for the death of an endangered Hawaiian monk seal whose body was discovered last month on a Molokai beach. According to NOAA, the investigation into the death of Hawaiian monk seal RU68 determined the 1-year-old female died from blunt force trauma to the head, likely sometime on Aug. 17 or 18.  Maui News. KHON2. 

Kauai

Kauai braces for possible impacts from Hurricane Lowell. Lowell, a Category 4 cyclone passing far south of the islands, is expected to weaken as it encounters southwesterly shear, but will still be at or near major hurricane strength when it approaches the westernmost main Hawaiian islands late Monday and Tuesday, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island. 

Power outages more frequent, longer lasting; Schofield Army sergeant believed first banned under transgender policy; Dolly Parton's Oahu connections, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

It’s True: Power Outages Happening More Often In Hawai‘i. The power isn’t just going out more frequently. It’s staying out for longer. Statewide, HECO’s customers lost power an average of 2.6 times in 2004, a significant increase from five years ago when the average household or business lost power 1.5 times. Civil Beat. 

Trump OKs emergency declaration for Hawaii. President Donald Trump on Tuesday approved a disaster declaration for Hawaii, making federal assistance available to clean up and rebuild after the devastation from Hurricane Lala. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Tropical Storm Iselle unlikely to pose a threat. A storm with the same name as a cyclone that wreaked havoc on the southeastern Big Island in August 2014 is unlikely to do the same this year, predict forecasters. Tribune-Herald.

OpenAI partners with Kamehameha Schools to expand AI access for educators. OpenAI on Wednesday announced a partnership with Kamehameha Schools to provide educators and staff with secure, institution-managed access to ChatGPT, along with training and support aimed at helping schools use artificial intelligence responsibly. Star-Advertiser.

Settlement spares Hawaii Job Corps center closures. Job Corps programs in Waimanalo and Makawao are celebrating an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor that reverses the department’s 2025 decision to shut down 99 Job Corps centers around the country. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Hawaii Supreme Court hears arguments in Tommy Waters’ eligibility. The Hawaii Supreme Court on Tuesday heard oral arguments but issued no formal ruling in two consolidated cases challenging the outcome of the Aug. 8 primary election for the City Council’s East Honolulu seat currently held by Tommy Waters. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  KHON2. 

Schofield Army sergeant fights ‘tooth and nail’ to return after Trump’s trans military ban. U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda has filed a congressional inquiry on behalf of an Army sergeant from Schofield Barracks. Sgt. Clara Davis believes she was the first soldier to be involuntarily discharged from the military because of President Donald Trump’s ban on transgender troops. Hawaii Public Radio.

Topa Financial Center still without power, set to fully reopen in September. Basic electricity returned to the Topa Financial Center over the weekend of Saturday, Aug. 22 — more than one month after a basement chiller leak damaged critical electrical equipment and forced the towers to shut down. KHON2.

Wilson Tunnel lights could remain out for weeks after Lala. Drivers could be without lights inside the Wilson Tunnel for another two to three weeks following damage from Tropical Storm Lala. Hawaii News Now.

HPD investigates flight attendant’s death in Waikiki. The Honolulu Police Department is investigating the death of a 50-year-old Southwest Airlines flight attendant from Oklahoma who was found dead outside her Waikiki hotel after falling from her 24th-floor room during a layover Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit Alleges Hawaiʻi Prison Staff Enabled Gang Attack. A lawsuit filed by the family of a Hawaiʻi prisoner who was severely beaten at Hālawa Correctional Facility early this year alleges prison staff allowed gang members to pass through security checkpoints to attack a protective custody inmate who was housed in another part of the facility. Civil Beat.

Dolly Parton ‘gave the world hope,’ honored for contributions in Hawaiʻi. The late legend owned a Portlock estate, opened a Hawaii Kai restaurant and raised wildfire relief funds. She had more than 40 years of connection to the islands. While in Hawaiʻi, she performed for local audiences and gave back to the community, the city said. KHON2. Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaii Island

Water cut off for thousands of cattle in the Big Island's Ka'u district. Hawaiʻi Ranchers Welcome Rain But Endure Weather Whiplash. Broken fences, destroyed roads, new gulches, dead cattle and lost land may soon be the price to pay for greener grass as climate change aggravates extreme weather events. Civil Beat. KITV4. 

Water Board updated about restoration of service in Ka‘u. At a meeting of the Water Board on Tuesday, Manager-Chief Engineer Keith Okamoto said the department has been using generators to power wells and booster stations in areas where electricity has not yet been reconnected and tankers to haul water to impacted communities. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii DOT: Washed-out sections of Kau’s Highway 11 repaired. The state Department of Transportation said repairs have been completed to the sections of Mamalahoa Highway in Kau that were washed out from Hurricane Lala’s torrential rains. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. 

Kilauea lava fountains reach 500 feet before episode 54 ends. Lava fountaining at Kilauea volcano’s Halemaumau crater ended tonight after earlier marking the 54th episode since the ongoing eruption began on Dec. 23, 2024. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

Maui

Maui County to hold four community meetings on ferry service. Maui County’s Department of Transportation will hold four community meetings in September to gather public input on ferry service between Maui, Lanai and eventually Molokai. Maui News. Maui Now. 

Maui Council committee advances Haʻikū fire station project, 6-2. A Maui County Council committee voted 6-2 Monday to advance three bills clearing the way for construction of a long-awaited fire station in Haʻikū, over the objections of two council members who argued the project sits on land wrongfully taken from Native Hawaiians. Maui Now.

Update: Water service gradually returns following well outage in West Kuiaha and Awalau areas of Haʻikū. After a severe electrical issue caused a well outage Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, Department of Water Supply (DWS) water service gradually returned to affected areas of Haʻikū and surrounding communities beginning Monday afternoon. Maui Now.

Maui boaters call for more security after Maalaea Harbor burglaries. Boats can be vulnerable to theft when left unattended, and boaters at Maalaea Harbor say burglaries have become a growing problem. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

U.S. Navy, NASA release final environmental impact statement for proposed use of state lands. The Navy’s proposal involves maintaining the use of 8,172 acres of state lands on Kauaʻi for operational continuity and sustaining military training, testing, and facility operations at the Pacific Missile Range Facility. Kauai Now.

Wilcox new interventional radiology suite blessed. The new suite will expand services for specialized, minimally invasive procedures so patients don’t have to leave the island, according to a Hawaii Pacific Health press release. Garden Island.

Land Board set to rule Friday on aquarium fish harvesting, 6 in 10 lost power during Hurricane Lala, UH secures $647.3M for research, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Keep wild reef fish in their Hawaiʻi homes or return to removing hundreds of thousands of them? The Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources on Aug. 28 will make a critical choice about the future of the state’s reef fish: stand behind prohibiting commercial aquarium fish collection or assisting its future return. Kauai Now.

6 In 10 Lost Power During Lala. It May Take A State Inquiry To Learn Why. HECO has spent millions of dollars to strengthen its electric grid in recent years. Lala still wiped out power for most of the state. Civil Beat.

Green formally requests presidential emergency declaration following Lala. Gov. Josh Green has formally requested the White House for a presidential emergency declaration for Hawaii following Hurricane Lala. The request, which covers the counties of Hawaii, Maui and Honolulu, asks for immediate federal assistance to protect public health and safety, maintain essential services and support communities recovering from Lala as Tropical Storm Moke approaches, according to the governor’s office. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now. 

Before aid arrives, Hawaii’s community networks step up. From the 2018 Kauai floods and Lower Puna eruption on Hawaii Island, to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2023 Maui wildfires and this year’s run of destructive storms, communities across the islands have repeatedly stepped up to identify needs, mobilize resources and care for vulnerable residents. Star-Advertiser.

Moke weakens to a depression, flood watch remains posted for Hawaii Island. Showers on the northern periphery of Moke will bring wet conditions and a risk of flash flooding on the Big Island, while less rainfall is expected to impact windward sections from Maui to Kauai over the next couple of days. Hawaii News Now.

El Nino-fueled hurricane season just getting started. Hurricane season is in full swing this summer with El Nino expected to be one of the strongest on record — and experts say Hawaii should be ready for up to 13 cyclones in the area through November. Star-Advertiser.

How Storms Can Be A Boon For Invasive Species In Hawaiʻi. Climate-fueled storms like Hurricane Lala may help spread invasive pests, plants and pathogens already on the islands and usher new ones into the state. Experts say Hawaiʻi needs more advance planning. Civil Beat.

UH secures $647.3 million in extramural funding. The University of Hawaii secured $647.3 million in extramural funding in fiscal year 2026, its second-highest total on record, even as changes to federal science funding have disrupted university research nationwide.UH officials say the results reflect the ability of researchers to adapt to shifting federal priorities while maintaining a focus on research with direct impacts on Hawaii communities. Star-Advertiser.

White Kids Sued Kamehameha. Native Hawaiians Can’t Get In Either. Gaining admission to the school — which can be a life-changing opportunity — is a competitive and challenging process for many Native Hawaiian families. Civil Beat.
 
Commentary: Uh-Oh, Dissing The US Supreme Court Did Not Go Unnoticed.  Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Justice Todd Eddins generated national attention last month when he accused the U.S. Supreme Court of, among other things, racism and “white sight.” Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Liquor Commission picks former FBI agent to lead agency. The Honolulu Liquor Commission has voted to appoint Jason K. White, a veteran federal law enforcement executive with over 20 years of experience, as its next administrator. Star-Advertiser.

Hurricane Lala toppled hundreds of trees across the state. On Oahu alone, the City and County of Honolulu has since the previous weekend received close to 500 calls for tree debris removal around the island. In city parks, people reported more than 120 fallen trees and branches, including two legacy ironwoods near Kapi‘olani Regional Park that were considered exceptional. Star-Advertiser.

Aiea Loop Trail closed for work on Lala-damaged transmission structure. Keaiwa State Recreation Area and the Aiea Loop Trail will be closed until Fridayas Hawaiian Electric Co. crews work to replace a transmission structure damaged by Tropical Storm Lala. Star-Advertiser.

Hurricane strike on Oahu would be catastrophic. A direct hit on Oahu by a tropical storm or hurricane would unleash destruction across Hawaii’s economic center unlike any other event documented in state history. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Is Activating A New Temporary Disaster Program. The county created a new program to respond to disasters and the mayor is now planning to hire a recovery officer to head it. Civil Beat.

Moke weakens to tropical depression but up to 6 more inches of rain forecast through Monday on Big Island. A flood watch remains in effect through Monday for Hawaiʻi Island because areas are still wet and saturated from Hurricane Lala. Big Island Now.

Storm-stricken Naalehu residents find comfort in community as they rebuild. The Kau district was hardest hit when Lala moved slowly past South Point on Aug. 15 as a Category 1 hurricane, dumping over 30 inches of rain in some areas before passing south of the other islands as a powerful tropical storm. Star-Advertiser.

Cultural, forensic experts help in recovery of remains at Naalehu Cemetery. A Hawaii National Guard team working to document the displaced burials has identified 69 sets of human remains in the area. Star-Advertiser.

Peter Boy’s siblings due to receive $3.25M settlement. Chauntelle Acol had just turned 8 and was in the second grade in 1997 when her stepfather treated her and her older brother, Allan, to burritos and Sprite, sat them down on their back porch and told them that “Pepe was going to go live with family to learn Hawaiian stuff.” Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Hotel rezoning amendments would shrink housing inventory envisioned by vacation rental phase-out, critics say. Three amendments proposed by Maui County Council members would add 16 properties—some overlapping between proposals—to a list of apartment-zoned properties used as vacation rentals and slated for rezoning into newly created hotel-zoned districts. The move would further shrink the pool of units that the much-debated Bill 9 would convert to long-term housing, opponents of the resolutions argued. Maui Now.

FEMA to donate Kīlohana modular units to Maui County; plans call for permanent housing. Maui County will take ownership of the 167-unit Kīlohana modular housing project, now serving Lahaina wildfire survivors, in a move that could pave the way for the temporary homes to become permanent housing, County Council members learned Wednesday. Maui Now.

Public invited to help identify Maui conservation priorities. Maui farmers, ranchers, agricultural leaders, forest landowners and conservation organizations are invited to help identify local natural resource concerns and conservation priorities during a meeting Aug. 26 at the University of Hawaii Maui College. Maui News.

Hurricane Lala washed out Nāhiku bridge. Nobody seems to know who’s responsible for rebuilding the ‘lifeline’. After Hurricane Lala’s rains and floodwaters roared through East Maui, all that was left of the aging wooden bridge that served as the “lifeline” for Darrell Richard and five other residents in Lower Nāhiku were the metal guardrails. Maui Now.

Water conservation urged in West Kuiaha, Awalau. The Maui County Department of Water Supply is advising those in the West Kuiaha and Awalau areas to conserve water due to a well that is out of service. Maui News.

Kauai

Community organizations, local media to host Kaua‘i Mayoral Debate Aug. 27. Kaua‘i residents will have an opportunity to hear directly from mayoral candidates Mel Rapozo and Bernard Carvalho Jr. during the island’s first live Kaua‘i Mayoral Debate since the primaries on Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi County takes step to harden homes against wildfires.  If adopted, the revised building codes would reduce the ways a fire can jump from fields to homes. Aloha State Daily.

Lawsuit filed in Napali coast ‘doors-off’ helicopter tour crash. The “doors-off” sightseeing helicopter tour that Patrick Haskell, 59, and Margaret Rimmler, 65, took March 26 along the picturesque Napali Coast on Kauai was supposed to be safe. When the Airborne Aviation helicopter they were flying in crashed into the ocean off Kalalau Beach, the Massachusetts married couple did not die from falling out of the aircraft or the initial impact. Instead, they drowned inside the helicopter because they were unable to escape, according to a lawsuit filed Aug. 5 in Kauai Circuit Court. Star-Advertiser.

Ariyoshi dies at 100, PGA cuts Hawaii events, Big Island Forest Service facilities targeted for closure, auditor warns of problems with $40M homeless program, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

George Ariyoshi, Hawaii's third governor and nation’s first governor of Asian American descent, dies at age 100.  Hawaii’s longest-­serving governor and the first Asian American to serve as governor of any U.S. state, George Ariyoshi, died Sunday night at the age of 100, leaving a “quiet and effective” legacy grounded in shaping the state’s future. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4. 

Legislation to curb corporate influence in elections awaits final negotiation by lawmakers. The state Legislature is looking at a new, untested legal approach to curb corporate money in elections. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi Transportation Officials Want A New Military Partnership. A bill being considered by the Legislature would allow the state DOT to act as a military contractor to expedite federal projects for improvements to airports and roads. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi gambling regulations would likely be complex to accommodate the evolving industry. That was advocates' message to state lawmakers looking at how it could impact Hawaiʻi, one of two states that outlaw all forms of gambling. Hawaii Public Radio.

PGA Tour cuts Hawaii events in 2027, dealing a $150M blow to state. The PGA Tour confirmed on Monday that its two Hawaii golf tournaments — the Sony Open in Hawaii and The Sentry at Kapalua — will not be included in the 2027 tour schedule, representing a more than $150 million annual loss in visitor industry revenue for the islands. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4. 

Auditor Issues Urgent Warning About Key Hawaiʻi Homeless Program.  In a letter addressed to legislators and the state’s human services director Monday, Auditor Les Kondo explained why he was raising early alarm bells about the kauhale initiative and payments to HomeAid Hawai‘i that have cost taxpayers nearly $40 million so far, some of which he said was spent with little public oversight and weak internal controls. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Lambert must return to HPD to protect pension benefits. Mike Lambert, 46, is one of the 41 applicants to serve as Honolulu’s 13th police chief. If he is not picked to lead HPD, he also applied to continue his law enforcement career where it began, as a HPD patrol officer. Star-Advertiser.

'Get rid of the dam': Residents, farmers have conflicting feelings about Wahiawā dam. As the state moves closer to acquiring the aging more than 120-year-old earthen dam, there are conflicting feelings from longtime North residents and farmers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kaimuki’s iconic Queen Theater, now in disrepair, prepped for sale. The Queen Theater, a once-beloved 1930s-era landmark in the heart of Kaimuki that fell into dec­ades of disrepair, is being readied for sale, city leaders say. Star-Advertiser.

Cleanup underway of floating homeless encampments. Heavy machinery continued Monday to tear out thick and overgrown mangroves along Keehi Stream in Kalihi that had camouflaged 25 or so floating and land-based homeless structures that have occupied the waters from Keehi Stream to Keehi Lagoon for years. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Cyclists Lament Safety Barriers, Green Paint In Bike Lanes. New asphalt along South King Street meant bike path safety features had to be removed temporarily. They are taking too long to be replaced, cyclists say. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

ʻŌhiʻa Trees, Invasive Species: Years Of Research Could Be Lost. The Hilo-based Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry headquarters and a biocontrol lab in Volcano are among at least 57 Forest Service facilities targeted for closure across the country in an agency restructuring plan rolled out by the Trump administration late last month. Civil Beat.

2,000 acres in Kapoho being considered for preservation. A Hawaii County Council committee today will consider a resolution calling for the purchase of nearly 2,000 acres of rugged coastal land in Kapoho using public land preservation funds. Tribune-Herald.

Former Kamehameha Schools employee indicted for internal theft. Zachary Heltz, a 32-year-old Big Island man, has been indicted for allegedly stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from Kamehameha Schools Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Kīlauea Volcano Alert Level Raised As Lava Activity Begins. Low-level lava activity began at the summit of Kīlauea overnight, prompting a change in the Alert Level for the Hawaiʻi Island volcano. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Work to replace lava tube bridge begins Thursday. Work to replace the deteriorating bridge into Nahuku lava tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will start Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui 

MEMA, other agencies to participate in April 23 training in Kahului.  A multiagency, full-scale training exercise will be held Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Kahului, according to Maui Emergency Management Agency. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Fire is seeking public input on how to improve. The Kaua‘i Fire Department is looking for public input to see how they can improve their emergency response and overall community safety. Kauai Now.

Family suing Kamehameha Schools gets death threats, Legislature mulls saving coconut palms as food source, rental car tax plans abound, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Bill aims to elevate status of Hawaii’s coconut trees. A bill that would recognize the coconut tree as a food and water source and cultural treasure is moving forward in the state Legislature. A coconut rhinoceros beetle infestation has reached a critical point, but so far the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity have recommended few natural remedies to deal with the beetle. Star-Advertiser.

The People Suing Kamehameha Schools Are Getting Death Threats. A white family suing Kamehameha Schools over its Native Hawaiian admissions policy wants to stay anonymous for the duration of the case over online death threats and fears that being named publicly could affect their careers. Civil Beat.

Two bills pending at the Legislature aim to help a California company launch payloads via rocket into space at low cost from a winged booster ship towed high into the sky by plane. The measures — one to let the firm sell up to $40 million in low-interest bonds and another to have the state help pay for building a high-tech hangar at Hilo International Airport — recently advanced after initial committee hearings. Star-Advertiser.

Measures could incentivize locally produced sustainable aviation fuel. House Bill 1694 creates a tax credit to encourage the production of sustainable aviation fuel, a lower-carbon alternative to conventional jet fuel. If the measure is adopted, distributors of sustainable aviation fuel could get up to $2 back per gallon of fuel sold in the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

New Hawaii rental car tax proposed. A variety of bills are being considered this year to generate around $90 million in new tax revenue annually from the industry for the state’s general fund, or for Hawaiian homestead development, or for retroactive hazard pay for public school teachers who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Bill seeks to facilitate more film productions on agricultural land. State lawmakers are moving along a measure meant to facilitate film production on agricultural land, though some film advocates worry it could add more bureaucracy to the process. Hawaii Public Radio.

Free Buses For Keiki? Supporters Hopeful After Statewide Bill Axed A proposal for statewide free transit died last week at the Legislature, but supporters still have hope for a proposal to make transit free for youth. Civil Beat.

Did Boat Salvage Law Save The State Money? Auditor Says No One Knows. The state’s boating division doesn’t do enough, a new report found, to recover costs from those responsible for stranded and grounded vessels. Civil Beat.

Oahu

OHA to study feasibility of Native Hawaiian cultural center. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs announced Sunday that it selected AEA Consulting to conduct a feasibility study for a proposed Native Hawaiian Cultural Center in Kaka‘ako Makai, launching what officials describe as a community-driven planning process for the long-discussed project. Star-Advertiser.

Controversial Developer Ousted As Manager of Downtown ‘Hell Hole’ Building. Chad Waters, founder of a downtown co-living space that became a squalid nightmare for residents is being removed as the property’s manager, marking the final days for the leading figure in a monthslong drama at the building one former resident dubbed a “hell hole.” Civil Beat.

Flash flooding forces evacuations with more wet weather ahead. Eight feet in 1-1/2 hours.That is how quickly Kaukonahua Stream rose to flood stage Saturday afternoon, causing the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management to evacuate roughly 80 residents from Otake Camp in Waialua on Oahu’s North Shore. Hawaii News Now. Star -Advertiser.

Dole assures no Wahiawa Reservoir Dam breach after heavy rain. Dole Food Company said there was no breach of the Wahiawa Reservoir Dam after heavy rain and flash flood warnings prompted an evacuation order in the Haleiwa-Waialua area Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawai‘i County reduces vacancies by 100 positions in past year, but workforce still down 17%. But vacancies still are high, with 589 out of a workforce of 3,395. Big Island Now.

Reed Mahuna Sworn In As Hawaiʻi Police Chief. Mahuna was sworn in by Mayor Kimo Alameda during a private ceremony Friday in the Mayor’s office in Hilo. County officials say a larger, public swearing-in ceremony will take place on Friday, March 6. Big Island Video News.

Banyan Drive redevelopment bills advance in Legislature. Legislation to facilitate redevelopment of Hilo’s Banyan Drive — once an East Hawaii crown jewel, now a picture of dilapidation and disrepair — continues to move in both the state House and Senate, but not without contention. Tribune-Herald.

Waipiʻo Valley Road To Close For Geophysical Survey. The road will be closed to all traffic between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day from Tuesday, February 24 through Friday, February 27. Big Island Video News.

Maui

As demand for organic food rises, federal program to help local farmers transition is cut short. ‘Oko‘a Farms is one of 43 operations, including six on Maui, that is enrolled in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program in Hawai‘i. The five-year initiative that started under the Biden presidency was set to run through 2027. Maui Now.

As focus turns to Lahaina commercial rebuilds, owners face daunting challenges. As Lahaina commercial property owners navigate a daunting post-fire road to rebuilding, some are finding it so challenging that they’re not sure if they’ll be able to reconstruct at all. Hawaii Public Radio.

Planned new telescopes for Haleakala draw strong opposition. As the military moves forward on its plans to build as many as seven new telescopes on the summit of Haleakala, opposition to the project is mounting on Maui. Star-Advertiser.  Maui Now. 

Kauai

Kaua‘i Residents Worry 148-unit Housing Project Will ‘Kill’ Kōloa Town. The Garden Isle needs more housing but Kōloa residents worry the proposed project is too big, will harm the environment and won’t be within reach of community members. Civil Beat.

Hanapēpē bus stop closed due to damage. The Kauaʻi Bus announced that the bus stop in front of the Hanapēpē First United Church is closed until further notice due to damage. Kauai Now.

Bill seeks cellphone ban at schools, Kaiser Permanente strike begins today, Schofield soldiers doubling up in barracks as US military beefs up Hawaii presence, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Teachers, parents divided over proposed school cellphone ban. Cellphones and all other telecommunication devices would be banned in Hawaii’s public schools under a House bill that attempts to resolve a divisive issue, even among Hawaii’s public school teachers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Are Full Of Ideas For Improving Schools. Few Will Pass. Lawmakers are prioritizing free meals for students and stronger protections for school employees this session, but less than 10% of education bills become law each year. Civil Beat.

Math at the center of Hawaii’s education priorities as leaders look ahead. Math readiness has emerged as a defining education issue for Hawaii as lawmakers and school leaders prepare for the 2026 legislative cycle, framing numeracy not only as an academic concern but as a foundation for workforce readiness, economic mobility and long-term student success. Star-Advertiser.

Japanese American soldiers once branded ‘enemy aliens’ to be promoted posthumously. Seven Japanese American soldiers will be promoted to officer ranks in a solemn ceremony Monday, eight decades after they died fighting for the U.S. during World War II despite having been branded “enemy aliens.”  The seven were students at the University of Hawaii and cadets in the Reserve Officer Training Corps, on track to become Army officers, when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.  Associated Press.

Kaiser strike set to begin despite union offer to resume bargaining. Hundreds of Kaiser Permanente Hawaii employees are set to walk off the job on Monday at 7 a.m. Approximately 240 pharmacists, rehabilitation therapists and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) in Hawaii will be joining thousands of others in California from the United Nurses Association of California and the Union of Health Care Professionals. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

'We have to push back,' ACLU president on mission to uphold civil liberties. Deborah Archer has been the president of the national ACLU since 2021. She spoke with HPR about how the ACLU has changed during the second Trump administration. Hawaii Public Radio. 

Hawaiian Kingdom enters lawsuit against Kamehameha Schools. The Council of Regency, as interim government of the Hawaiian Kingdom, on Jan. 21 filed a motion to intervene with an accompanying motion to dismiss in the Students for Fair Admissions vs. Kamehameha Schools lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Schofield soldiers forced to ‘double up’ in barracks with more troops coming. Some soldiers on Oahu are being told they might be living “doubled up” in their barracks rooms for at least 15 months or longer as the U.S. Army increases the number of troops in Hawaii under a major force restructuring. The Army has been putting increased emphasis on Hawaii as a hub for Pacific training and operations amid tensions with China. Star-Advertiser.

City seeks new headquarters for Ocean Safety Department.  HOSD’s plans include a proposed land swap arrangement involving the Kapiolani Park Trust to temporarily accommodate mobile trailers near its existing headquarters in the Waikiki area. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Fireworks Citations Offer Glimpse Into Use Of New Laws. Fireworks citations and fines were up on Oʻahu, but the jury is still out on how effective aerial drones will be. Civil Beat.

Hawaii slows speed camera expansion after warning period. The state Department of Transportation is declaring its recently activated automated speed limit enforcement program in urban Honolulu a success, but expansion is going to be slower and smaller than previously planned. Star-Advertiser.

Strike at Kaiser Moanalua set to begin today. No resolution is yet in sight over a new contract between Kaiser and the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals, which represents 31,000 registered nurses, pharmacists and others, including about 250 in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

For those who depend on coconuts, few options exist to fight invasive beetles. The invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle, or CRB for short, has killed thousands of coconut trees on Oahu since its arrival in 2013. Around 1-1/2 years ago, it first appeared in Kahana Valley. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Update On Ashfall, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park After Episode 41. The ongoing eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano is once again paused, following the high lava fountaining of episode 41 that covered the surrounding area in tephra and dispersed fine ash as far as Hilo.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. 

New artificial intelligence degree debuts later this year at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. The College of Business and Economics is launching a new artificial intelligence concentration in the bachelor of business administration program beginning in the 2026 fall semester. It will formally interface with the university’s data science program. Big Island Now.

Police investigating Thursday afternoon affray in Hilo. At 3:17 p.m., police responded to a report of a disturbance involving an estimated 30 to 40 teenagers at Mohouli Park. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Bissen to make annual appearance with Hawai‘i mayors before state lawmakers. Mayor Richard Bissen will join the state’s other three mayors in making presentations Monday afternoon before members of the Senate Ways and Means and House Finance committees at the State Capitol. Maui Now.

Federal Housing Programs For Maui Fire Survivors Extended Until 2027. Federal officials approved the state’s request to extend for a year the program that hundreds of Maui wildfire survivors still rely on for temporary housing and financial assistance, Gov. Josh Green announced on Friday afternoon. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kaiser Permanente releases Maui pharmacy closure details ahead of Monday strike. Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi announced operational plans Saturday for Maui County ahead of an open-ended strike by unionized health care workers scheduled to begin Monday. Maui Now.

50 Years On Kahoʻolawe: Inside The Journey To Rescue Hawaiʻi’s Target Island. The goal isn’t just to heal the environment, activists say. It’s to forge an island where Hawaiians can reclaim their culture. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Tsunamis, Floods And Not Enough Space: Kauaʻi Is Moving To Replace Its Jail. With an upcoming highway-widening project expected to encroach on a third of the Wailua facility’s property, the state is finally moving forward with plans to construct a new rehabilitation-focused KCCC on empty agricultural land in Hanamā‘ulu.  Civil Beat.

Updated leadership in Hawaiʻi House of Representatives named for 2026 state legislative session. Members of the Kaua‘i House delegation will be taking leadership roles on the House floor and in committees, including House Speaker Nadine Nakamura (Hā‘ena, Wainiha, Hanalei, Princeville, Kīlauea, Anahola, Keālia, Kapa‘a, portion of Wailua, Kawaihau) and Majority Floor Leader Dee Morikawa (Ni‘ihau, portion of ‘Ōma‘o, Kōloa, Po‘ipū, Lāwa‘i, Kalāheo, Ele‘ele, Hanapēpē, Kaawanui Village, Pākalā Village, Waimea, Kekaha). Kauai Now.

Delinquent state taxpayers owe millions, Kamehameha Schools to go tuition-free, Kilauea marks anniversary with new eruptive episode, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Who Are Hawaiʻi’s Biggest Tax Delinquents? Search Here. A government database tracks who owes what in state taxes. Spoiler alert: Some owe millions. The list includes state legislators, government contractors, businesses and individuals. Civil Beat.

Domestic Abuse Allegations Prompt Democrats To Scuttle Legislative Nominee. The party has pulled back its nomination of Inam Rahman of Waipahu as one of three choices to fill a legislative vacancy. Civil Beat.

Gov. Green announces appointments to boards and commissions. Gov. Josh Green on Tuesday announced several appointments and reappointments to state boards and commissions, bringing experience in water resource management, ethics, agriculture and community development to state service. Maui Now.

Kamehameha Schools will no longer require tuition for preschool through Grade 12. Starting with the 2026-27 school year, Kamehameha preschools and K–12 campuses will no longer require tuition. The announcement was made in a message from the Board of Trustees and CEO of Kamehameha Schools. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

Volunteers Oversee Hawaiʻi Charter Schools. The State Has Little Say Over Them. Volunteer boards oversee the academics and finances of Hawaiʻi charter schools. But the state has limited influence over who serves on those boards or how they hold schools accountable.  Civil Beat.

Baby boomers struggle with housing, food and health risks. Today’s Hawaii boomers — the youngest is 61 and the oldest 79 — primarily rely on fixed incomes such as Social Security. Star-Advertiser.

WWII Navy veteran Ira ‘Ike’ Schab, one of last remaining Pearl Harbor survivors, dies at 105. World War II Navy veteran Ira “Ike” Schab, one of the dwindling number of survivors of the 1941 Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, has died. He was 105.  With his passing, there remain only about a dozen survivors of the surprise attack, which killed just over 2,400 troops and propelled the United States into the war.  Associated Press.

Proposed state budget reckons with lost federal funding. Gov. Josh Green's budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year that begins on July 1, 2026, focuses on investments in healthcare and social services. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

HART board revises closed-door meeting policy.  One member of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s board of directors has for years been disallowed from attending the rail agency’s most confidential, closed-door meetings. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

High Lava Fountains Mark Kīlauea Eruption Anniversary. Episode 39 fountaining began at about 8:10 pm HST on Tuesday evening, the anniversary of the current year-long summit eruption. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. 

South Kohala communities urged to reduce water use after months of dry conditions. According to Hawai‘i County’s Department of Water Supply, affected communities include Āhualoa to Waiemi Subdivision, as well as Honokaia, Puʻukapu, Nīnauele, Waimea Town, Lālāmilo Farm Lots, portions of Māna Road, parts of Māmalahoa Highway, Anekona Estates, and Kānehoa Subdivision. Affected customers are asked to reduce water use by at least 25%. Big Island Now.

Maui

Condo owners file lawsuit over Maui rentals law. Less than a week after its passage, a group of more than 40 Maui condo owners challenged the county’s new short-term rentals law, contending their property rights were violated with the requirement that they must convert their units into long-term housing. Star-Advertiser.

New electric buses set to roll out on Maui. (video only). Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i police make crack in homicide cold case of Amber Jackson. New developments in the 15-year-old murder cold case of Amber Jackson on Kaua‘i have led to the arrest warrant for a 57-year-old man who may now be on the Big Island. On Tuesday, the Kaua‘i Police Department issued a warrant for Gregory Glaser, who was initially identified as a person of interest in the death of Jackson, a resident of Kapa‘a. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaii GOP in disarray; US military seeks to increase training, mines, off Hawaii; 7 governors support Kamehameha Schools in racial preference lawsuit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi’s GOP Continues To Fight Amongst Itself As The 2026 Elections Loom. The state Republican Party just elected its third chair in six months while several party officials have recently resigned over fights with leadership. Hawaiʻi’s minority party now has the most elected members in the Legislature since the halcyon days of GOP Gov. Linda Lingle in the 2000s. Civil Beat.

Military selects Pacific training preferences. The U.S. military announced Tuesday it had released its “record of decision” on preferences for training in the Pacific as it seeks new operating permits. The proposed course includes  increases in training around both California and Hawaii from the previous permit, including the installation and maintenance of mine training areas off Hawaii and Southern California.  Star-Advertiser.

Seven Hawaii governors support Kamehameha Schools admissions policy. All seven living Hawaiʻi governors, from current Gov. Josh Green to George Ariyoshi, 99, said some wrongly seek to undermine Princess Bernice Pauahi’s vision by forcing Kamehameha Schools to disregard her 1883 directive giving preference to Native Hawaiians. Hawaii News Now.

Lights, camera, comeback: Major 2026 productions signal rebound for Hawaii film & TV industry.  Hawaii’s film and TV industry has been quiet for months. But new signs of life are emerging, and for local workers whose livelihoods were at risk, it couldn’t come soon enough. KHON2.

Trump admin’s proposed rules may deter Hawaii's future nurse practitioners. Nurses are often the first primary care providers you'll see when needing care, and now the federal government is looking to reclassify them, which will impact the amount of money nursing students could borrow for advanced degrees. KITV4.

Oahu

Some Honolulu charter amendment proposals seek to improve food security, farming. Nearly 280 proposed charter amendments have been submitted to the Honolulu Charter Commission, including several with a focus on improving farming or ensuring that residents don’t go hungry. Hawaii Public Radio.

AI Is Everywhere. Will Honolulu Voters Get To Set Limits? Artificial intelligence is already widely used in city government. Some residents want to see the charter updated to require more transparency. Civil Beat.

Task force proposes housing stipends, bonuses to fill HPD vacancies. With more than 600 officer and civilian openings at the Honolulu Police Department, a new report is offering solutions. Lawmakers and law enforcement leaders say the key to reducing vacancies is incentives. Hawaii News Now.

New Honolulu Liquor Commission administrator sought. Honolulu Liquor Commission Administrator Salvador Petilos was charged with leading reform efforts to ensure accountability and transparency in the wake of lawsuits the agency was forced to settle alleging discrimination and misconduct by liquor investigators. Star-Advertiser.

North Shore gondola project hits snag as DPP reconsidering developer’s conditional use permit. The proposed gondola project on Oahu’s North Shore has hit a snag. The city’s permitting office says there are issues with the project’s initial permits. That could prevent any further development in the area and leave the idea of gondolas dangling in the air. KHON2.

Coca-Cola’s Hawaii bottling plant to close in January. The 65-year-old Mapunapuna bottling plant, operating since 1960, will not have a successor, and instead, the Coca-Cola franchise owner will focus on distribution, and will build a new warehouse in Kapolei.  Star-Advertiser.

‘What’s That Smell?’ Mysterious Stench Stumps Nānākuli Residents. A West Side community has been plagued for several months by a deathly stink, but no one knows where it’s coming from. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

High court to hear case regarding retired West Hawaii firefighters. Two retired Hawaii Fire Department battalion chiefs who sued former Fire Chief Darren Rosario and lost both their Circuit Court case and their appeal to the Intermediate Court of Appeals will have their case heard by the Hawaii Supreme Court. Tribune-Herald.

Immigration resolution advances. A Hawaii County Council committee on Tuesday advanced a resolution opposing the Trump administration’s recent immigration directives and urging the state to limit local involvement in federal civil enforcement. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Council member Ashley Kierkiewicz on adjusting affordable housing rules. Hawaiʻi County is looking to change some of its affordable housing rules. Over the past few weeks, there have been community meetings about this topic — with the latest one wrapping up late Monday afternoon in Hilo. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hilo fires over Thanksgiving weekend raise alarm about safety of county’s aging buildings, infrastructure. After two fires engulfed decades-old buildings in Hilo over Thanksgiving weekend, killing two people, causing evacuations and leaving dozens homeless, Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda said Monday he is concerned about the emerging trend of aging buildings, infrastructure, and even trees, becoming safety hazards. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui reaches 100th rebuilt structure in wildfire zones.  Maui County has marked the completion of the 100th rebuilt structure in areas damaged by the 2023 wildfires, officials said Tuesday. Maui News. KHON2. 

Maui microtransit options explored for Kula-Upcountry and Waiheʻe-Kahului, Dec. 10. Community members are invited to a County of Maui Department of Transportation (DOT) virtual meeting from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, to offer feedback on a proposed public transportation option called microtransit for Kula-Upcountry and Waiheʻe-Kahului areas. Maui Now.

Maui council advances vacation rental bill aimed at increasing housing stock. The Maui County Council continues to weigh a bill that would phase out about half of vacation rentals.  Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now. 

Kauai

Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency seeks public input on disaster mitigation plan. The Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency is inviting residents to help update the county’s Multi-Hazard Mitigation and Resilience Plan, a five-year strategy aimed at reducing risks from natural disasters and strengthening community preparedness. Kauai Now.

Hawaiʻi Foodbank Kauaʻi to host gala in hopes of raising funds for food security. Hawaiʻi Foodbank Kauaʻi will host its first Nourish Gala in a couple of weeks, where the community will come together to raise funds to ensure Garden Isle residents have dependable access to fresh, locally grown foods. Kauai Now.

Child poverty rises, UH paying displaced employees $20M biweekly during federal shutdown, new regs could reopen West Hawaii reefs to aquarium trade, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Child poverty in Hawaii rises and may get worse, report says. A new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation shows a concerning rise in child poverty in Hawaii, and forecasts it potentially could double without the support of public policies and programs. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaiʻi is paying affected employees out of pocket during shutdown. Over 830 University of Hawaiʻi employees are at least partially paid through federal dollars, with thousands more in positions that are fully federally funded. It costs more than $20 million a pay period — every two weeks — for the system to match their salaries. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hundreds rally to defend Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy. Under a mix of hot sun and passing rain, hundreds of students, alumni, lawmakers and community members gathered Tuesday morning on the grounds of Iolani Palace — a site steeped in Hawaiian history — to show solidarity with Kamehameha Schools and its long-standing admissions policy favoring Native Hawaiian students. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. 

Oahu

City Council considers Honolulu’s transit fare policy. A Honolulu City Council resolution urges the city administration to quash a decades-old cost recovery policy for the city’s mass transit system to stave off service cuts and potential fare increases for low-income riders on Oahu. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Businesses affected by Skyline construction can apply for $10K grant. The City and County of Honolulu is accepting grant applications for businesses affected by Skyline construction, the city announced on Oct. 21. KHON2.

Kapahulu man surrenders, ending 15-hour barricade after deputy sheriff shot. A state Sheriff’s deputy was shot in the hand during the execution of a federal search warrant Tuesday morning, starting a barricade situation on Herbert Street in Kapahulu. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

Man indicted for allegations of stealing over $450k in Covid-19 relief funds in Hawaii. According to court documents, Justin Likout used several companies he created in 2018 to make legitimate-looking business accounts in order to get funds. Those companies include No Ka Oi Tours Oahu, No Ka Oi Oahu and Hale Me Ke Malama LLC. KITV4.

Water main break floods homes, prompts road closures in Manoa. The water actually came from a 20-inch main break that the Board of Water Supply said happened at around 4:20 p.m. on Dole Street, about a mile away from the drenched homes.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Environmental groups to challenge proposed West Hawai‘i fishing rules. New fishing rules would once again allow commercial aquarium fishing in West Hawai‘i waters. Aloha State Daily.

Hawaiʻi Police Expand Crisis Intervention Team. The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) recently gained 18 new members following an intensive 40-hour CIT course in Hilo. Big Island Video News.

Beach clean up encourages stewardship of Kona shoreline. The Kailua Village Business Improvement District hosted the cleanup to protect the shoreline environment and ecosystem, and to encourage community members to contribute to the health and beauty of the coastline whenever possible. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Council panel advances park agreement for Waikapū Country Town. The Maui County Council’s Water Authority, Social Services and Parks Committee recommended adoption of a resolution Monday that would authorize the county to execute a park assessment agreement with Waiʻale 905 Partners LLC, the developer of the Waikapū Country Town project. Maui Now.

Lahaina’s affordable Front Street Apartments will be rebuilt with more units, but not soon enough for some former residents. The 142 units at the Front Street Apartments were among more than 700 affordable housing units that were destroyed in the fire. Maui Now.

Maui man faces federal charges of scamming crypto investors.  Alton Joseph Franco of Makawao is charged with wire fraud and money laundering in a Sept. 25 federal criminal complaint. Star-Advertiser.

Packed Maui Animal Shelter Makes Desperate Plea For Help. The 2023 wildfires exacerbated the housing shortage on an island that’s already one of the hardest places to find a place to live with a dog or cat. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Ex-Kauaʻi Cop Accused In Airport Death Lacked Security Guard License. A fired Kauaʻi police detective later hired to provide security at the Līhuʻe airport did not have a state security guard license when he and two others were accused in the death of a 53-year-old man they had restrained. Civil Beat.

Native snails thought to be extinct crawl back into sight. Big news for native snails, or kāhuli, this fall: Bishop Museum announced last month that crews out in the field discovered two species of snails on Kauaʻi that were thought to be extinct.  Hawaii Public Radio. Kauai Now.